John McCarthy
Development Programme Manager
In Zimbabwe and Mozambique, we moved into the second year of the Skills for Youth Resilience Programme with Young Africa. We helped over 3,000 young people access holistic vocational training which improved employment and income levels and improved emotional resilience.
We supported scholarships, microcredit, outreach training, investments in training departments and access to human rights training. This work was supported primarily by Irish Aid’s Civil Society Fund. With Young Africa, we also completed the Digital Vocational Education and Training
Programme (D-VETYA) project, supported by the EU Erasmus+ Fund. This has helped
YA to develop an eLearning Platform and Digital Post Graduate Service Toolbox, with
over 5,000 young people registered.
In Zambia, we provided funding to Luyobolola School to buy learning resources for 800
students. In partnership with the Dublin Province of the Redemptorists, we supported Tapologo’s Home Based Care Programme in South Africa; Mavambo Trust’s OVC Programme in Zimbabwe; the Water for All Programme in Mozambique and the Noki Health Clinic Project in DRC.
In 2025, we provided funding of €495,000 to our partners.
Jack Gartland
As the year ends, I’ve found myself looking back on a period filled with learning,
challenges and profound gratitude. Working as a Development Officer with SERVE has offered me experiences that stretched far beyond my expectations.
From 3 overseas monitoring and evaluation trips in Southern Africa to volunteer work with the Badjao community in Cebu. Each moment contributed to a deeper awareness of global citizenship and the real meaning of international development.
This year reinforced something central to SERVE’s philosophy: international development is at its strongest when it is partnership-driven, locally informed, and designed to promote dignity and independence.
SERVE’s long-term relationships with partners like Young Africa are a testament to what can be achieved when development
is built on trust rather than quick interventions.
As I reflect on the year, I am grateful for the people I met, the lessons I learned, and the
opportunity to contribute to SERVE’s mission. Every trip, community interaction, and all
the moments spent with the team have shaped a deeper understanding of what ethical,
sustainable development truly looks like.
I look forward to carrying these insights into the year ahead with renewed commitment, a broadened perspective, and an even deeper appreciation for the work our team continues to do.
Nicola Fitzpatrick
Volunteer Programme Manager
2025 was packed — new programmes, big events, and new faces joining the SERVE
team. Between fundraisers like the Flip Flop Appeal, our school partnerships, immersion trips, GCE events, and volunteer programmes, we grew stronger as a team, learned a lot, and kept our focus on supporting communities across the world. Think Global Act Local in action!
This year, 20 volunteers travelled to India, Zimbabwe, and the Philippines, guided by a mix of seasoned leaders and fresh voices. Hearts were opened, real connections were made, lessons learnt and yes, lives genuinely shifted. With everything happening globally, volunteering isn’t just a kind gesture — it’s a meaningful way to stand up and help.
Back home, our alumni continued to show up in a big way. They jumped into GCE
events like the Solidarity Teen Camp, supported workshops, helped run fundraisers, and basically kept the energy going long after their overseas placements ended. Their
impact in Ireland is huge — they’re the ones turning inspiration into action, keeping
conversations alive, and reminding everyone why this work matters. And the best part?
They’ve been incredible at welcoming the new volunteers joining our community,
showing them the ropes and helping them find their place in the mix.
As Mahatma Gandhi said, “The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the
service of others.” This really captures what our volunteers and alumni embody every
day — showing up, giving their all, and discovering themselves along the way. And as we look ahead, we’re excited to celebrate International Volunteer Year (IVY2026), with SERVE backing the journey every step of the way and creating opportunities for our whole community to get involved.
In closing out the year a heartfelt thank you to all the
amazing volunteers who are so giving of their time and energy, and together we embark
into the next chapter of the SERVE journey.
Paula Quigley
Programmes and Administration Manager
A major focus this year was Global Citizenship Education. Thanks to Irish Aid funding,
we delivered impactful workshops and hosted our Solidarity Teen Camp, empowering young people to think critically about global issues and act for a fairer world.
December brought a special highlight: our all-youth panto, Rapunzel: A Cork Christmas
Untangled!, which lit up Scala with festive cheer while raising vital funds to support SERVE’s work with communities across the Global South.
To all our donors, volunteers, and supporters, thank you for standing in solidarity with
SERVE. Your commitment makes our work possible.
Looking ahead to 2026, we’re excited to build a sensory garden at Scala, upgrade our SDG trail with digital resources for schools, a Slow Fashion Show, a 3 Peaks Challenge and see SERVE runners in the Cork City Marathon, Half Marathon, and 10K.
Nollaig Hulme
With the year wrapping up, I’ve been reflecting on the incredible experiences and people I’ve been lucky to work with.
I have now spent three years as SERVE’s representative on the ground in Southern Africa, and I feel incredibly fortunate to witness firsthand the impact of our work.
This year brought many milestones. I was lucky enough to lead the first SERVE Volunteer Programme in Zimbabwe with Young Africa in Chitungwiza, an idea we have spoken about for years and were finally able to
bring to life. I was also proud to be involved in Year 2 of the Skills for Youth Resilience Programme (SYRP), training not one but two inspiring groups of young people in skills of the hands and mind in Cowdray Park, Bulawayo.
We have now reached over 270
young people in this community, with support from Irish Aids Civil Society Funding. I look forward to the year ahead and to building on this work together with our partners and the communities leading the way.
Gerry O’Connor
Chairperson
As we celebrate this Christmas season, I am deeply grateful for the spirit of hope and humanity that binds the SERVE family together. This year, we witnessed the transformative impact of our technical, vocational, and educational training programmes in Mozambique, Zimbabwe, and Zambia – initiatives that continue to open doors for young people striving for brighter futures.
Their resilience inspires us daily and strengthens our commitment to supporting our partner in Youn Africa as they build skills, confidence, and long-term opportunity.
We also celebrate the joy of our journey with a new generation of global citizens from Ireland who volunteered in the Philippines, Zimbabwe, and India. Their compassion and aspirations remind us that solidarity is a purposeful option in connecting cultures, fostering partnerships and harvesting energy for a more just world.
To our partners, friends, SERVE alumni, staff, interns and generous donors: thank you.
Your belief in our mission stirs hope. Together, we continue to build resilience in individuals, communities, and movements so that the global sustainable goals may one day become a lived reality for all.
This year I recall the words of a famous author who shared “I will honour Christmas in my heart and try to keep it all the year.” May that spirit of enduring compassion guide us into the year ahead.
Wishing you peace, joy, and renewed purpose this Christmas and always.
Brendan Long
ways to build awareness of social justice. It challenges assumptions, sparks reflection, and transforms the way you see the world – and it’s been a privilege to learn that firsthand.
volunteer, and witness the power of solidarity for themselves – because awareness is
only the beginning, and action is what drives change.
“Volunteering doesn’t just change the world – it changes the way you see it.”
Christian
Events and Administration Assistant
As the German volunteer who has been living in Ireland for the past three and a half months, I’ve had the opportunity to dive deeply into SERVE’s work and engage in many enriching experiences. Some of my favourite moments were the Volunteer Fairs at UCC in Cork and at UL in Limerick, where I enjoyed meeting so many young people and introducing them to SERVE. The Career Fair at St. Ailbe’s School in Tipperary was another highlight – I was able to inspire many students with our mission and even gave an interview for the local press.
The Flip Flop Appeal in Limerick was another wonderful experience and a big success, as well as were the Christ the King Masses, where I was once again reminded of the kindness and generosity of the people in Ireland. Alongside my administrative supportive work, I always appreciate supporting events and spending time with the fantastic team that has welcomed me so warmly.
I am very grateful for the past months, and I am really looking forward to the upcoming
ones, especially to the Overseas Programme and the 3 Peaks Hike.
